An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, but in an ectopic pregnancy, it implants and grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. However, it can also occur in other areas of the body, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (cervix). Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue because only the uterus is meant to carry a pregnancy.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, mild cramping on one side of the pelvis, no periods, and pain in the lower belly or pelvic area. If the area around the abnormal pregnancy ruptures and bleeds, symptoms may get worse, including fainting or feeling faint, intense pressure in the rectum, low blood pressure, pain in the shoulder area, and severe, sharp, and sudden pain in the lower abdomen.

The most common cause of an ectopic pregnancy is a tubal pregnancy, which happens when a fertilized egg gets stuck on its way to the uterus, often because the fallopian tube is damaged by inflammation or is misshapen. Hormonal imbalances or abnormal development of the fertilized egg may also play a role. Some things that make a person more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancy, inflammation or infection, fertility treatments, and age over 35.

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. There are two methods used to treat an ectopic pregnancy: medication and surgery. The most common drug used to treat ectopic pregnancy is methotrexate, which stops cells from growing, ending the pregnancy, and allowing the body to absorb it over 4-6 weeks. Surgery is typically done with laparoscopy, which uses a slender, lighted camera that is inserted through small cuts i...